WestCon Tribune

March 2008

February Review

Beware of The New 2007 California Codes!

Presented By: Lonnie Haughton, Richard Avelar & Associates

Westcon member Lonnie Haughton discussed radical changes in the new 2007 California building and fire codes (which became effective on January 1, 2008) and the previous 2001 California codes. 

He noted that the 2007 California Building Code and the 2007 California Fire Code are modeled upon the 2006 International Building Code and 2006 International Fire Code, published by the International Code Council (ICC).  In contrast, our state’s previous building and fire codes were based upon the far different model ‘Uniform’ codes that had been published by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) until its merger with Building Officials and Code Administrators International (BOCA) and Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI) to form the ICC.  He warned of difficult challenges for designers, engineers, builders and owners of both new and existing buildings as they adapted to California’s new codes.

For example, he noted that the 2007 CFC contains many provisions that are immediately retroactive to existing buildings, including Section 1027.1, which requires that the means of egress of existing occupancies generally must be brought into compliance with current 2007 CFC requirements for means of egress — unless, in the opinion of the local fire code official, the existing means of egress system does not constitute a “distinct hazard to life”.  Lonnie reported that his recent communications with the State Fire Marshal have confirmed that Section 1027.1 is applicable to virtually all existing occupancies within the state (except Group R-3); however, he has been unable to learn how any state or local fire code officials intend to implement this surprisingly broad regulation.

Regarding the 2007 CBC, there is a greatly increased emphasis on ‘active’ fire protection using fire sprinklers while allowing major reductions in the use of ‘passive’ fire protection components such as fire-walls (area separation walls) and fire doors.  Far more new occupancies and buildings will require alarm and notification systems as well as fire sprinkler protection. 

The 2007 CBC also is more restrictive on seismic alterations to existing buildings, particularly for existing buildings that are not fire-sprinklered.  Many construction and design standards are now specifically referenced with the new code, including numerous new or revised standards for seismic design.  Lonnie warned of potentially complex challenges for structural alterations, floor area additions, or occupancy changes to existing non-sprinklered commercial buildings – even some ‘modern’ buildings first occupied in 2007.  Similarly, the 2007 CBC now references specific installation standards for stucco that may be unfamiliar to some California designers and contractors.

In summary, Lonnie reported that California’s switch from the model Uniform codes to the nationwide I-Codes represents a sharp departure from decades of code continuity.  He warned that these changes are neither smooth nor consistent and represent significant legal risks to unwary professionals.

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